The Economic Landscape of Religion

Religion remains a significant force globally, with Christianity and Islam each boasting over a billion followers. While some regions, such as Australia and Western Europe, witness a decline in religious belief, many parts of the world, including Eastern Europe and Africa, are experiencing growth in religious adherence. This divergence challenges the notion that as societies become wealthier, they move away from religious beliefs, indicating a more complex relationship between economics and faith. Understanding this economic perspective reveals the multifaceted motivations behind why individuals adhere to their religious beliefs, even in the face of economic hardship.